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This is Washington State's most hopeful trip to Eugene in more than a decade (3 p.m., Pac-12 Networks), and that has a lot to do with Oregon's suspect secondary. The Cougs have the talent to attack that weakness, and that's a big deal for ESPN's Chantel Jennings:
This will likely be the matchup that decides the game. Can Oregon's pass defense -- which has been miserable a lot of time this year -- play well against quarterback Luke Falk and an offense that averages 369 passing yards per game? Falk is completing 73 percent of his passes and has thrown 10 touchdowns to just two interceptions. He has, however, been sacked 11 times, so there's certainly an opportunity for the Ducks to get to Falk if they can get a pass rush going. Oregon has given up 287 passing yards and 16 passing touchdowns to offenses that are far less predicated on the pass than the Cougars' -- this will be a tough match up for a young secondary.
How might the Cougs attack the Ducks? Don't expect big plays. WSU ranks 109th in explosiveness, according to Bill Connelly's numbers. On the other hand, Wazzu is 20th in efficiency, or how well it "stays on schedule." The Ducks defense ranks 88th in efficiency allowed.
Oregon itself hasn't been terribly explosive, but it has been even more efficient than WSU. We might actually be in for a shortened game today, who would have guessed that with the Air Raid vs. Oregon's tempo?
WSU Soccer gets its tenth win of the season
WSU Soccer's impressive streak of 31 straight victories when leading at halftime has nearly reached the five year mark. After the 21st ranked Cougar ladies found the back of the net in the 9th minute the defense held true.
Despite being out-shot by Utah in the second half of the 1-0 road victory, WSU tallied their third clean sheet of the season. The game-winning heading was scored by Kaitlyn Johnson, who has goals in two consecutive matches for the Cougars.
This win puts WSU's record at (10-2-0, 3-1-0) making this years squad the fastest to ever reach ten wins. The previous honors were held by WSU's 2000 team, which reached ten wins after 14 games.
The Cougars will continue on the road Sunday, to face Colorado who just battled with the No. 19th ranked Washington Huskies yesterday in a 1-1 draw. Colorado's record is (7-4-2, 1-2-1) this season. The Buffs have failed to score in every game that they have lost so far this season. WSU hopes to score early and use defense to hand Colorado their seventh shutout.
More WSU Soccer
WSU Soccer Bests Utah with Early Game-Winner - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
The No. 21 Cougars beat the Utes 1-0 for their 10th win of the season.
WSU Football
For WSU’s Alex Grinch and other coaches, press box or sideline is matter of preference | The Seattle Times
WSU defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has coached from the press box and the field in his career, but as a career secondary coach, the press box is his native dwelling because of the vantage point it provides.
What the WSU Cougars have to do to beat Oregon | The Seattle Times
Washington State is catching Oregon at a vulnerable time. But can the Cougs put together enough of a complete game to come out on top in Eugene?
Young Oregon defense backs to be tested against the Air Raid - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Can Oregon's pass defense play well against quarterback Luke Falk and an offense that averages 369 passing yards per game?
WSU Volleyball
Volleyball Falls in Five to No. 14 Arizona - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Casey Schoenlein had six blocks and No. 18 Ella Lajos led the match with eight blocks.
WSU Swimming
Swimming Trails No. 3 Cal After First Day of Meet - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Senior Presley Wetterstrom won the 100 breaststroke.